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Liberty Manor for Veterans was delighted to be awarded as finalist forTemple Terrace Business of the Year 2012!
Liberty Manor was organized in 2006 as a 501©3 non-profit organization with the objective of promoting the developmental and social needs of veterans who have served our country and fought for our independence, but fallen victim to homelessness.The initiative serves the most deserving yet overlooked individuals of our community - veterans. Contrary to the perceptions that our returning veterans are well-supported, many go without the services they need due to a lack of governmental resources as the Veterans Administration does not provide housing for veterans. The mission of Liberty Manor is to provide transitional, supported housing to honorably discharged veterans and establishing long-term objectives designed to attribute to self-sufficiency.
Liberty Manor is honored to provide a service that is intended to strengthen our community by providing these deserving veterans with some of the basic resources and services that will make a positive difference in their future. For more information contact Connie Blaney (813) 900-9422.
Southern New Hampshire ski resort gets first High Speed Quad Lift
Wildwood Missouri-
Peak Resorts announces the acquisition of the high speed detachable quad chairlift formally of Ascutney Mountain, VT. The installation of the lift, along with a terrain expansion is planned at Crotched Mountain, NH for the 2012-2013 season. This 3 million dollar capital investment will happen on the 10 year anniversary of the reconstruction of the resort.
We are very excited about the prospect of adding a detachable lift at CrotchedMountain. This lift will provide quick access to the summit, ultimately providing more value and vertical to our guests. Along with the lift, the addition of 25 acres of skiable terrain will be a significant upgrade for the resort." said Jesse Boyd, VP of Operations for Peak Resorts.
While replacing the current Summit fixed grip lift, the only high speed quad lift in Southern NH will provide an uphill capacity of 2400 persons per hour, and access to an additional 25 acres of terrain in less than 4 minutes of time on the lift. The additional terrain access is accomplished by the extension of the current summit lift profile to the top of the mountain, approaching 1000 feet of vertical drop. The additional 25 acres of terrain will encompass three extra slopes and two glade areas. The new terrain will have 100 percent fan snowmaking coverage as well as being lit for night skiing.
"We at Crotched pride our self on the commitment of service to all skiing and snowboarding guests from beginners all the way to expert terrain park and racing enthusiasts. The ability for us to provide the value of even more time on the slopes is very exciting. The expansion of terrain will benefit all of our clientele with an easier route off the top of the mountain and trails that will access our progressive terrain parks, glade skiing and allow us to stay committed to the ski racing culture of New Hampshire." said Pat Terry, General Manager of Crotched Mountain.
Lift construction and trail development are scheduled to take place starting the spring of 2012 pending approval of permitting with NH State and local township regulations.
Historic Kennedy Home in Hyannis Port Gifted to the
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate (“EMK Institute”) announced today that ownership of the Kennedy family’s property at 50 Marchant Avenue in Hyannis Port has been gifted to the EMK Institute, in keeping with the wishes of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his widow Victoria R. Kennedy. This generous gift fulfills a promise made by Senator Kennedy to his mother Rose that the home be preserved for charitable use. This property was the backdrop to some of the most memorable events in Kennedy history and a team of experts in national historic preservation will be assembled, lead by a renowned presidential historian, to provide guidance on programming and operations of the home.
“From our earliest discussions about the EMK Institute, Teddy and I dreamed of a place that would encourage public engagement and inspire political leadership in future generations. The acceptance of the gift of this historic home in Hyannis Port is a significant step forward in fulfilling that mission,” said Vicki Kennedy. “This special home and the family of Joseph P. and Rose Kennedy were at the center of many memorable events in the history of our country. It was at this home that the family learned the lesson that shaped their lives, which is that each of us can make a difference and all of us should try. In making this gift to the EMK Institute, Teddy and I hoped this American landmark would remain a dynamic place that reflected the contributions and commitment to this great nation displayed by the extended Kennedy family. We hoped it would help inspire future generations of Americans to be involved and make a difference as well.”
"This house was my family's epicenter, where my grandparents, father, uncles and aunts would retreat to connect with one another through heated political debates in the dining room and rousing games on the front lawn. Over the generations, we have returned to Hyannis Port in times of both happiness and pain. We have come to celebrate baptisms and marriages, await election results, and grieve the passing of our relatives,” said Ted Kennedy, Jr. “Even though my family still considers Hyannis Port to be our home, we recognize that this house is a unique and historic place that should be preserved so that future students of history and politics will better understand how this house helped to develop, define and sustain my family."
Preservation of Historic Home
Recognizing the special history and importance of the home, the EMK Institute will assemble a team of experts in historic preservation who will offer recommendations on usage, programming and public visitations. Renowned presidential historian Michael Beschloss has agreed to serve the Institute as an advisor and will help evaluate the recommendations of the advisory team. Beschloss has authored eight books on presidential history, is a regular contributor to PBS NewsHour and NBC News, and is a trustee of the White House Historical Association and the National Archives Foundation.
"This world-famous house is a national treasure, the setting in which this great American political family made history, year after year, for nearly a century. Like Hyde Park for the Roosevelts or Quincy for the Adamses, if you want to really understand Joseph and Rose Kennedy, President Kennedy and his brothers and sisters, and their families, you will have to go to Hyannis Port,” said Beschloss. “The gift of the house to the EMK Institute is an exceptional act of generosity by the Kennedy family, which will have an impact on generations of visitors.”
The house at 50 Marchant Avenue in Hyannis Port is the backdrop to many famous Kennedy moments captured by film and photo. This is where the Kennedy children learned to swim and sail, and where the traditional touch football games were played. It is the place where countless political discussions were held and major political decisions made. President Kennedy hosted meetings with dignitaries and administration officials at this historic home. This home was central to a remarkable family which produced three United States Senators, one who went on to become President, and influential daughters who have impacted American society through the Special Olympics and Very Special Arts. The extended Kennedy family continues to make a positive impact on a range of issues through other nonprofit organizations such as the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.
“When I think about my childhood, it’s the summers at the Cape that come to mind most frequently,” said Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith. “My parents created a very loving and exciting environment for our entire family here. Through their guidance and enthusiasm we developed our deep interest in American history and a very real desire to give back to our country in some capacity what we had received. It is a great tribute to my parents that it will now permanently be a place where thoughts and ideas are exchanged, and new generations of leaders can come for inspiration and guidance.”
EMK Institute Plans
The EMK Institute (http://emkinstitute.org/) hopes to use the home to support and enhance its mission of educating the public about the U.S. government, invigorating public discourse, emphasizing the importance of bipartisanship, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the public square. Specifically, it is expected that the main house will host selected educational seminars and forums organized by the EMK Institute. In addition, it is expected that the property will also host programs on behalf of other institutions.
The EMK Institute also recognizes the desire that exists on the part of the general public to visit this historic site. They will work with the panel of national historic preservation experts, area neighbors and Town of Barnstable officials over time to create an appropriate schedule of public visitations to the house. Chairman of the Board of the EMK Institute Lee Fentress emphasized, “The Institute is committed to ensure that the residential character of the property is preserved and the privacy of the surrounding neighborhood is respected.”
In giving this gift, Vicki Kennedy has given away her rights to the property. In addition to receiving title to the property, a $3.2 million donation from the Committee to Re-Elect Edward M. Kennedy campaign fund has been made to the EMK Institute in order to fund maintenance and operational costs associated with the house. No federal funds will be used to support property upkeep or operations.
“Senator Kennedy’s life was rooted in public service, enriched by his love of history and fueled by his commitment to enhance civic engagement,” stated Fentress. “It is not at all surprising, then, that he and Vicki Kennedy together planned for their home in Hyannis Port to serve to pass on the Senator’s legacy of giving back and inspiring leadership. We are extremely grateful to the Kennedy family for this generous gift and entrusting this cherished and historic home to the Institute’s care.”
“My father had great passion for the United States Senate. It was his life for many years. There could be no greater testament to his legacy than allowing the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate to turn this home into a place of learning,” said Congressman Patrick Kennedy. “My aunts and uncles all felt a special connection to this home and the surrounding area. I hope visitors will be inspired by the contributions they made to our country and will in turn make their own unique contribution to society.”
Kennedy Family Usage of Property
The Kennedy family will have limited usage of the property going forward. There are longstanding easements on the property, granting beach access to Kennedy family members who own adjacent properties, which will remain in effect as part of the deed transfer. It is also expected that the Institute will enter into a rental agreement allowing Kennedy family members limited access to the grounds for recreational purposes.
Additional Facts:
Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy purchased the property at 50 Marchant Street on October 31, 1928.
The home was originally a 15-room white clapboard house on about two and a half acres, with a lawn running down to Nantucket Sound.
The home today sits on 1.93 acres and is 9,055 square feet.
For a more complete history and photos of the historic home, visit http://emkinstitute.org/.
About the EMK Institute for the United States Senate
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate (the EMK Institute) is dedicated to educating the public about our government, emphasizing the importance of bipartisanhip, invigorating public discourse, encouraging participatory democracy, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the public square. Through innovative, participatory educational programs, the EMK Institute will engage the public in political debate by bringing them inside the legislative process. The EMK Institute will feature and celebrate the legislative career of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and use the progress of the issues he cared the most about to focus attention on how the Senate shapes public policy and the nation. The Institute will also heighten awareness of the Senate's role and broaden public access to the papers of all Senators through an extensive digital library, available on-site and on-line. Envisioned as a new 40,000-square foot facility, the EMK Institute, in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass), will be located on the campus of UMass Boston and adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.
Wisconsin's first Armed Forces Reserve Center opens
By Army National Guard Sgt. Tyler Lasure Wisconsin National Guard
MADISON, Wisc. (1/11/12) - Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and senior military officials cut the ribbon Saturday for a new $24 million building on Madison's east side, replacing old armories, saving money, and allowing for joint training with Wisconsin National Guard, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Reserves.
The Armed Forces Reserve Center - the first in Wisconsin - is home to 16 units with approximately 800 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines from the reserve components of the armed forces.
"The best part of this facility is that all the military units are together, it is truly a joint organization and you learn from each other," said Navy Capt. Gary Haben, commander of the Navy Reserve Component Command-Midwest. "When we are forward, we are together, so it's great to train together too."
The AFRC not only allows for communication between branches of service, but also for unique training opportunities.
"We have the electronic warfare simulation system, there is a medical unit over here and they have all the unique equipment that medical units have, and the other units can see the equipment we have in ordinance and logistics,†said Army Col. Ronald Jones, commander of the Army Reserve's 646th Regional Support Group. “Whereas, before we were all in different locations and didn't have that stuff, over here we can see the whole spectrum.â€
The engagement skills trainer - a virtual firing range - is one example of a training opportunity that the Marine Corps Reserve can share with other units in the building. Also, the 646th can share their medical training with other units in the building. The ability to train with other units and branches of service is important as service members continue to deploy.
"This Armed Forces Reserve Center also recognizes the truth that you have proven around the globe - that you are professional and capable to serve alongside your active duty counterparts," Kleefisch said. "But to maintain that capability and that readiness requires a facility to really meet those needs, and I think you can agree that this beautiful building and the ones around it afford the opportunity to train and unite in a 21st-century capability."
Maj. Gen. Donald Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, also praised the service members.
"Everybody in this room in uniform is a Citizen-Soldier, Citizen-Marine, or Citizen-Sailor, but first and foremost they are citizens of the state of Wisconsin,†Dunbar said. “On the weekends and in the summers and when the nation calls on them - as they have called many times since Sept. 11, 2001 - they suit up and they go overseas to defend this country and they comeback, put the uniform back in the closet, and go back to their careers.
"There is something uniquely American and special about that relationship," Dunbar continued. "I tell you ladies and gentlemen, as long as we have facilities like this and men and women like this in uniform, we are never going to lose touch with what America is all about."
The new facility also allows an economic advantage as well as training opportunities. The AFRC meets or exceeds LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver criteria, meaning the building meets up to 60 percent of potential efficiencies in sustainability, energy and water conservation, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
"We spend a lot of money on utilities in older buildings," Haben said. "These newer ones are more efficient and cheaper to operate, so everybody wins there - the taxpayer especially."
It is estimated that the facility saved $12.7 million in renovation costs.
"It is a great idea to combine all the services in one building,†said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Roger Walker, commander of the Navy Operational Support Center, one of the tenant units in the AFRC. "It saves money, lets us get to know one another, and I'm sure it is going to spread and before you know it, it will be only joint centers everywhere else."
STAR-SPANGLED 200 ANNOUNCES THREE-YEAR, FOUNDING PARTNERSHIP WITH PAPA JOHN’S
Papa John’s will publicize its new partnership with SS200 at M&T Bank Stadium, prior to and during the Baltimore Ravens play-off game on Sunday afternoon. Papa John’s pizza is the official pizza of the Ravens.
“Maryland is the centerpiece of our nation’s commemoration of the War of 1812,” said Gov. O’Malley. “I’d like to thank Papa John’s for supporting our State as we, the revolutionary people of Maryland, celebrate our revolutionary history.”
The three-year partnership provides Papa John’s with marketing, public relations, signage and advertising benefits, as well as exclusive pizza vending rights at all Star-Spangled 200 events, including Star-Spangled Sailabration, June 13-19.
“By partnering with Star-Spangled 200, Papa John’s is not only promoting Maryland’s state-wide commemoration, but also giving its Maryland customers a unique way to support the initiative, just by ordering their favorite pizza,” said Bob Billman, operations vice president for Papa John’s.
Through the three-year partnership, Papa John’s will offer a 10 percent discount for online orders and another 10 percent will be donated to Star-Spangled 200, Inc. To take advantage of this offer and order a game-day pizza, go to www.papajohns.com and use promotional code: SS200. The offer, valid at participating Maryland Papa John’s locations, is available for online orders only and for regular menu price items.
VETERAN’S STORY INVITES READERS TO CHAMPION OUR COUNTRY, GOD’S GRACE, AND OUR GOALS
Army, Navy, Marines: it’s tough enough to make it in one branch of the military -- but Ron Zuccaro succeeded in all three, wrestled professionally, overcame a devastating injury to come back and win a wrestling championship, and is one of the most engaging patriots you’ll ever meet. This veteran has enough strange and interesting tales to fill more than one lifetime, and an amazing awareness of God’s grace, all packed in his new book Heaven, Iron and I: The Ron Martinelli Story (Tribute House Publishing).
Ron Martinelli was his name as a professional wrestler in the 1970s; his story recounts the early days of professional wrestling with surprising humor and insight. At the peak of his career, his legs were crushed in a freak accident and he was told he’d never walk again. His faith, his family and his love for his country spurred Zuccaro to literally stand up and fight: he did walk again, and won the 1980 heavyweight world title in wrestling. These accomplishments in civilian life were bracketed by extraordinary service in not one, but three, branches of the U.S. Military. He saw action in Vietnam that would prove to have a lasting, and surprisingly positive, influence on the rest of his life. Honorable service during a difficult time for our country brought Zuccaro a unique and moving sense of what it is to be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.
Learning to walk again after his accident, Zuccaro was troubled by vivid flashbacks to the chaos and danger of his time in Vietnam. It was these recollections, plus his remarkable determination to recover, that helped him uncover God’s grace at work in his own life; his dramatic re-telling of this time in his life makes Heaven, Iron and I: The Ron Martinelli Story a must-read for Christians, veterans and patriots. Zuccaro says his book is “a tribute to my buddies who made the ultimate sacrifice, and shows what war is really like. If you yourself have problems, you can overcome them, you can achieve your goals through the grace of God.” In honor of his fallen friends, Zuccaro now works tirelessly to promote and encourage veterans and veterans’ organizations, in particular the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), American Legion, Marine Corps League and Disabled American Veterans.
Zuccaro’s story is more than inspiring. It’s filled with powerful anecdotes about his time in Vietnam and seasoned with humorous tales of his antics in the early days of professional wrestling, making it a book that critics find impossible to put down. All together, Heaven, Iron and I: The Ron Martinelli Story is a truly great story about a patriot of the first order, a patriot who shows the way for others to achieve, as he did, against all odds.
Please visit Zuccaro’s website at: http://www.tributehousepublishing.com/
All Hands on Deck to Preserve the JAGM Program
By Rebecca GrantWhen Washington, DC spins into a frenzy over defense cuts, even good programs can be ditched in a panic. Sadly, at times like this joint programs and supposed "extras" like new missiles are particularly vulnerable.
That's the case with the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile program, known as JAGM. JAGM does not have a zippy name or a big marketing campaign behind it. Basically, it's a replacement for three famous but aging missile types: the Hellfire, the Air-Launched TOW and the Maverick. Despite incremental improvements over the years, there's no getting around the fact that all three of those missiles are 1960s-era designs at the end of their service lives.
Enter JAGM, a nearly $1 billion dollar initiative to develop a single missile that all branches of the military can share. Because it's a joint program it has to make it through triple the budget reviews to survive. Fear is spreading that the Navy or Army will pull out, try to stick the other service with the whole bill, and end up collapsing the JAGM program like a house of cards.
That would be a mistake, because JAGM comes with important new capabilities that the warfighter has long been asking for. And it does so at lesser cost to the taxpayer than the legacy missiles it replaces.
JAGM beats Hellfire on the battlefield because it can be used night or day, in all types of weather. Add in smoke or bad weather and government studies show that four JAGMs can neutralize as many targets as seven Hellfires under those conditions.
Here's the good part for the men and women carrying out these missions. The JAGM's maximum range is greater than Hellfire's. At 28 kilometers for fighters and 16 kilometers for helicopters, JAGM can launch from safely outside point area defenses. And the JAGM is lethal against a static or moving target, from advanced armor to small boats and troops in the open.
Currently, a Raytheon-Boeing team and Lockheed Martin are developing competing missiles for the JAGM program. This competitive prototyping is a new way of acquiring weapons has yielded solid results. To date, the Raytheon-Boeing missile has gone 3-for-3 in government flight tests, and Lockheed has also had a successful test. Tests like these dramatically lower program risk and keep both contractors fighting hard to deliver best performance and best price.
JAGM in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps inventory saves money by cutting back on maintenance, replacement and inventory costs. Because JAGMs are more effective than Hellfires the taxpayer over time will pay for fewer of them to be produced.
So what's the problem? It's the risk of a panic default to just upgrading Hellfire. New motors and seekers for that venerable missile still won't deliver the better performance of JAGM. Worse, scrapping JAGM and investing in upgrades wouldn't save money in the long-term. In the end, we'd still be using multiple Hellfires to do the job of a single JAGM.
The U.S. Military has already invested $912 million developing the JAGM -- including $372 million spent by the Army and Navy before the Joint Common Missile program was initially canceled in 2005 for going over budget. But the program was soon resurrected. Why? Because the need for the missile did not go away. What makes us think that the outcome this time will be any different? For nearly $1 billion, the military deserves to end up with a fielded product.
And if this program is killed, what next? Do we want to send the message that important R&D programs can be killed anytime and never mind the sunk cost? There is a chilling effect when we abandon a program like this -- particularly the prototyping program that should serve as an example of how to run future acquisitions. It needs to survive in order to spawn others like it.
Guess what. This actually is rocket science. We're talking advanced seekers, exploiting several chunks of the electromagnetic spectrum in the guidance, detection and warhead targeting. It takes time and persistence and dollars. But that's all worth it when JAGM allows a helicopter crew to shoot from safer range or the Reaper operators to get the target they've been watching for hours.
Protecting the JAGM program is important because we can't afford to lose it. The short-term savings gained from dropping the program now wouldn't begin to cover the added expense of starting it up again later or fielding multiple alternatives. If the goal is saving money, the plan should be to keep this program funded.
Rebecca Grant, Ph.D., is president of IRIS Independent Research, a public-policy research organization in Washington, DC. She is also director of the General William Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies, the non-profit research arm of the Air Force Association.
Legionnaire Celebrates 65 Years of Service:
Thursday night Ernest Montrond not only celebrated 65 years of service to the American Legion but also his 90th birthday. Commander Bob Burke presented Ernie with awards for his 65 years of service and an Certification Appreciation from Post 64. Ernie has filled all the chair positions at Post 64. He is Past Post Commander of Post 64, Past Department Commander of Massachusetts and Past Alternate National Committeeman.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Truman, Minnesota, to Protect the Employment Rights of U.S. Army Reservist
Subject to certain conditions, USERRA requires employers to promptly reemploy returning service members in the positions they would have held had their employment been not interrupted by military service or in a position of like seniority, status and pay. In addition, employers may not retaliate against servicemember employees seeking to exercise their rights under USERRA.
According to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, upon Schutz’s honorable discharge from military service, Truman did not reemploy him in his pre-service position as a full-time police officer. The complaint also alleges that Truman retaliated against Schutz after he filed his USERRA claim by placing him on administrative leave for approximately three weeks and issuing him a notice of intent to terminate his employment shortly thereafter.
In representing Mr. Schutz, the Justice Department is seeking the lost wages and benefits that Schutz would have received if Truman had reemployed him in his pre-service position as the law requires and injunctive relief relating to Truman’s retaliation against Schutz for exercising his USERRA rights.
The complaint also seeks double damages because the defendants’ actions constituted a willful violation of USERRA. The case will be litigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office based in Minneapolis.
“The men and women who wear our nation’s uniform need to know that they do not have to sacrifice their job at home in order to serve our country,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to aggressive enforcement of USERRA to protect the rights of those who, through their bravery and sacrifice, secure the rights of all Americans.”
“Just as our dedicated men and women of the military protect our freedoms overseas, we must protect their interests here at home,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota B. Todd Jones. “These soldiers have made many sacrifices, and we cannot allow the loss of a career or appropriate pay when they return home.”
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has given high priority to the enforcement of service members’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at www.justice.gov/crt/emp and www.servicemembers.gov , as well as on the Labor Department’s website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm .
See What Really Happened On The Front Lines In Iraq Through The Eyes Of A Decorated Commander
Midway, GA, September 6, 2011 - Awakening Victory: How Iraqi Tribes and American Troops Reclaimed al Anbar and Defeated al Qaeda in Iraq (Casemate Publishing), by Lt. Col. Michael E. Silverman (ret), is the chronicled account of his experiences as Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, and the amazing contribution this battalion – the only one to participate in the campaign to reclaim al Anbar Province from start to finish - made to the war in Iraq. This military memoir illuminates how the partnership between Iraqi tribes and US forces ultimately defeated al Qaeda in Iraq, and fully engaged the Iraqi Sunni population in a political solution to the turmoil that followed the U.S. invasion.
But it was not always that way. In August 2006, many senior U.S. officials thought we had lost the war in Iraq after being told by Marine Corps Intelligence that control of al Anbar Province, the seat of the raging Sunni insurgency, was irrevocably lost to the insurgents. At that time things were looking bleak – there were over 100 attacks a day against U.S. military and Iraqi forces in al Anbar, and al Qaeda in Iraq planted their flag in the provincial capital of Ramadi declaring it the capital of their new “Islamic State of Iraq.”
Things began changing in January 2007 when a spearhead of the newly decided “surge,” the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, deployed to Ramadi as part of the 3rd Infantry Division – the first regular Army unit to deploy to Iraq for a third time. The battalion and its parent brigade went to work in a campaign that will be hailed as the D-Day of the global war on terror. Once they started clearing out al Qaeda and replacing them with locally raised and trained Iraqi police, at the same time fostering the tribal movement known as the “Awakening Councils,” the brigade began to experience tremendous success.
Within a couple of months the attacks within Ramadi went from twenty a day to one or two a week, and by the summer of that year attacks in the entire province were down 90 percent from the previous year. Furthermore, the “Awakening” had swept through the rest of Iraq, leading to the best security situation since 2003!
In Awakening Victory, Silverman does a superb job of describing the Iraqi insurgency, particularly al Qaeda in Iraq, and offers a depth and texture currently lacking in most American’s perceptions of the war. He provides a fresh perspective on the “surge,” as well as an in-depth analysis of the three different insurgencies, and the role of Iraqis in securing their country. This accentuates the stark contrast to the failing campaign in Afghanistan and illuminates how the Obama Administration lost Afghanistan with its heavy-handed approach to the Taliban which ruined our relationship with Pakistan. The result is a phony counterinsurgency that resembles a counter-terrorism campaign focused on killing insurgents and terrorists.
Lt. Col. Michael E. Silverman, a 25 year veteran with the United States Army, is the recipient of numerous awards, medals and commendations. Retired in 2008, he lives in Georgia with his wife of 25 years, and spends his time writing about the war on terror, occasionally teaching at Armstrong Atlantic State University, and serving as a consultant to the U.S. Army on counterinsurgency. He is well-versed in international affairs and world religions and writes with the authority of someone who has both been blown-up by an IED and assisted in shaping U.S. strategic policy for the global war on terror. His book expertly describes, from the front lines, the exact turning point where the U.S. turned a supposedly failed war into a possibly enduring success.
Please visit www.michaelesilverman.com or www.longwaranalysis.com for more information on this extremely knowledgeable writer whose first book will be available in bookstores and online September 2011.
Widow of Veteran Granted Benefits After Eleven Years
In 2008 Mrs. Brown hired the law firm of Jackson & MacNichol to represent her when her claim had reached the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in Washington, DC. (Docket No. 07-2220). The firm persuasively briefed the case and on July 1, 2009 Judge Davis wrote a single judge opinion reversing the unfavorable decision by the Board of Veterans Appeals and remanding the case for a new hearing by the Board.
The turning point of the case came when a local oncologist who is also a professor at the University of New England Medical School in Maine, Dr. Brian Dorsk, explained that although stomach cancer is not one of the many cancers that has been associated with Agent Orange, based on the limited studies available he felt that it was as probable as not that Mr. Brown’s stomach cancer was related to his exposure to Agent Orange. After weighing the medical opinions provided by the VA opposing Ms. Brown’s claim and Dr. Dorsk’s opinion that the chemicals which make up Agent Orange could have caused the cancer, the Board found in Ms. Brown’s favor. This was a huge victory because no one else in the country has succeeded in persuading the Board that stomach cancer could be caused by Agent Orange.
Mrs. Brown will now get her monthly benefits retroactive to the filing of her claim back in 2000.
Jackson & MacNichol, Attorneys at Law, represent clients in social security disability, veteran’s benefits and injury and accident claims throughout New England. They handle veteran’s benefits claims on a national basis. For more information the firm can be reached at 800-524-3339 or on the web at www.jackson-macnichol.com.
Essex ESG Completes Keen Sword 2011
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Casey H. Kyhl, USS Essex Public Affairs
USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- The forward-deployed Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed exercise Keen Sword 2011 Dec. 10 off the coast of Okinawa, Japan.
The eight-day exercise was conducted in accordance with agreements between the U.S. and Japan, and was designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and continue the development of the 50-year alliance between the two nations.
"Japan is a lynchpin to stability and security in the Western Pacific and is one of our most important allies," said Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. "By sharing each other's best practices, we have heightened the level of seamanship and professionalism between us."
Thousands of service members assigned to air, sea, and land units from both countries participated in the exercise.
U.S. and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force sailors demonstrated shipboard aviation interoperability Dec. 7 by conducting deck landing qualifications on ships from both nations. Aircraft included a JMSDF SH-60K Sea Hawk and two U.S. CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters.
The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) also embarked two JMSDF landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) vehicles from the tank landing ship JS Kunisaki (LST 4003).
"These cross-decking evolutions prove that we can work through procedural differences and conduct successful asset exchanges," said Capt. Mark E. Weber, commander, Amphibious Task Group 76.4. "I have been truly impressed with the amount of cooperation and collaboration that has taken place during this exercise."
At the beginning of the exercise, Essex embarked 13 JMSDF officers and enlisted sailors of Command Escort Squadron Two and integrated them into the ship's watch organization. Those sailors worked side-by-side with Essex Sailors to complete Keen Sword and learn from each other along the way.
"My time on board Essex has been very exciting," said JMSDF Lt. Naoki Shirasaka, a Command Escort Division Two liaison officer embarked aboard Essex. "The coordination between our services has made for a great exercise, and our good communication has helped improve our alliance."
A live-fire exercise involving U.S. and JMSDF ships, as well as fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft from the Essex ESG and George Washington Carrier Strike Group (CSG) was conducted Dec. 8-9. JMSDF and U.S. Navy Sailors working side-by-side in the supporting arms coordination center (SACC) aboard Essex organized and controlled the evolution.
"I have no doubt in our ability to integrate rapidly to take any mission with the JMSDF," said Weber. "We have again proven that we have a very strong working relationship and a healthy alliance. This exercise has been a resounding success."
The Essex ESG is composed of Amphibious Squadron 11, USS Essex (LHD 2), the amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9) and the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Elements of the 31st MEU are embarked.
Why Me?
Written By: Ironside – A Veteran for Veterans
August 6, 1981 – Another move. Is this our thirteenth or fourteenth? Let's see – Ithaca to Quantico is one; Quantico to Pensacola is two; Pensacola to Meridian is three; Meridian back to Pensacola is four; Pensacola to Beeville is five; Beeville to Cherry Point is six; Cherry Point to Beaufort is seven; Beaufort to Key West is eight; Key West to Vietnam for me and Key West to Ithaca for my wife and son is nine; Chu Lai, Vietnam to Beeville is ten; Beeville to Dallas is eleven; Dallas to Detroit is twelve and Detroit back to Dallas is thirteen. I might want to move again just to get off old number thirteen.
Moving is always painful for the friendships that you leave behind yet is exciting in the anticipation of the new friendships that will develop. Penny, my wife of fifteen years, has always taken each move in stride and quickly adapted to our new surroundings while getting all three of our children immediately involved in the activities of our new community. I always seem to manage to be busy with my new job – it minimizes my picture hanging chores.
This move to Dallas, however, was one we both looked forward to. When we left Dallas in 1976 to go to Detroit, we felt we'd probably never return. We knew we wanted to, but GM rarely returns managers to the area from which they came. When the opportunity presented itself, we didn't hesitate a minute – off to Dallas as quickly as we could. This, certainly, is no reflection on Detroit, for the friendships we developed there were as close as any we have had anywhere we've lived.
The area we selected to move to in Dallas is one which we admired when we lived there before. It's an area called Canyon Creek in Richardson, Texas, a suburb just north of Dallas. It's a great family area. The only drawback was that the house we purchased hadn't been lived in for over a year. Penny was less than enthusiastic about the house, but price was my only concern, not that it had to be completely overhauled to be livable. Penny could handle that while I dove into my new job as Zone Manager for the North Texas area. So, off to work I went while Penny unpacked, got the kids enrolled in school, hung the pictures and on and on and on!
Early in this move-in process, Penny had to do a wash so we could have clean clothes to wear. The washer and dryer are always the first items to be hooked up and put to work. When a house in Dallas hasn't been lived in for over a year, strange things can happen – like root systems find their way into every drainage pipe. The wash was just about finished, and the water was being drained from the washer. This is the normal process; however, this is where normalcy departed the scene. The water did drain from the washer, but it came up through the toilet adjacent to the kitchen and flooded the entire kitchen with about two inches of water. This one simple act of fate was about to change our day and our lives.
I found out about this minor problem when Penny called me on the phone, slightly hysterical and in tears, to tell me in detail about the flooding of the kitchen. This same phone conversation evolved into a description of my abilities to find a house that was suitable for family habitation. In very clear and distinct terms, my judgment came under – let's say – severe
Testimony
Ironside for Veterans
Below is a testimony I wrote to my BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) discussion group. We’re studying Matthew this year and some of their discussion items triggered my testimony. I even had a random encounter with a Navy Chaplin at DFW one day and told him the testimony below. He was fascinated because he works at the VA Hospital in San Diego with vets that are struggling. I told him that we all struggle, but only through the development of a personal relationship with Christ can they or we be helped. These Vets, as you know, are not going to talk to some “Shrink” and be healed. Doesn’t work that way!
Anyway, that’s what prompted this testimony. The story attached with it, “Why Me?” was an incident from some years ago that was published in the April, 1986 Marine Gazette. It made an impact, but not having been a student of the bible yet, my walls did not come down.
Enough just read this and let me know if it resonates with you.
Testimony
Those of you at last night’s gathering heard a small part of the testimony I’m about to share with you and it may take some time for me to complete. If I seem to wander some, please be patient.
As I mentioned, some of my upbringing and some of my Vietnam experience caused me to adopt protective traits. For instance, when anyone in any war from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and now Iraq is threatened daily with the potential end of their life and they have to kill other human beings or be killed, the human spirit does three things. First, we dehumanize to the most base level; second, we desensitize ourselves so as not to feel anything; and third, we become callous to every emotion you can imagine. These things are done involuntarily and to some extent in the subconscious part of our brain. These events are the bricks of the walls we build around us for protection from outside pain. The interesting thing is that not only does nothing get into your soul through these walls, nothing gets out either. Even love is hindered in both directions.
No one can see these walls or detect their existence. On the outside you see what to you is a perfectly normal person, however, if you live with someone in this state eventually you feel a distance developing and you don’t understand why. Particularly with wives and children this is true because the amount of love getting through is insufficient for healthy relationships. You’ll see an abnormal amount of abuse, divorce, and problem children in some cases, in others just a detached indifference to those relationships. I fell into the latter category in subtle ways. As an example of this detached indifference, I’ll tell you about a personal experience with my wife that today is frightening. In 1986 Penny’s mom died. After two days of her grieving I simply said to her with cold eyes of indifference, “Penny, get over it, everybody dies.” If it weren’t for the fantastic wife and children I am so fortunate to have, I may never have come to understand all of this stuff in me and come to Christ, my Savior in so many ways.
Please do not think me unique, I am not! Every person and I mean every person, who has been in combat develops some form of these protective walls. If you don’t, you may not survive very long.
I came back from Vietnam in June, 1970 about 20 days early because my dad had passed away. My new life as a combat vet began that day. The walls were already built and the pain of my father’s death never touched my soul. No tears, just the stoic, detached indifference mentioned above. My walls were strong and indestructible.
In August, 1981 God hit me with a pretty good left hook; not much damage to me though. Got my attention but no real change in behavior. Strong walls! The story of the encounter is attached for your reading and may be passed on to whomever you like if you think it will help them understand warfare or help a vet understand he or she is not alone in their feelings about combat. I continued to be a good perfunctory Christian, Sunday mornings were church and then that obligation was complete. No real personal relationship with the Bible or Christ. Time just went on and then in 1991 I had another encounter when I realized I couldn’t hold these walls in place any longer. Counseling with wife and family followed and some of those bricks on my wall fell down. Got better, learned to feel some and seemed to be moving forward. Still no personal relationship with Christ. The Vietnam experience was always there because, you see, when you’ve killed another human being, no matter how; it is with you every day for the rest of your life. Finally, in 1999 my son and his wife asked that my wife and me to go to their church where the study of the bible was the focus. Coincidentally, at that same time a friend encouraged me to join BSF. We did both. My wife was first to join BSF, and then like many of you I was encouraged to attend ------- or else!
After a couple of years of this formal bible study more and more of the walls came down and I could feel the presence of Christ in my life. Weakly at first, but stronger every year thereafter. I still have miles to go, but the process is well under way and I’ll not let it stop ------ for once you can “feel” Christ in your soul you will never not feel it again.
I write this for two reasons; first, to help people understand the older vets and their pain; second, for those most recently in a combat situation in Iraq where family and friends may not understand the difference they see in them upon their return. The only salvation for anyone in that environment, as I have learned from personal experience, is to study the bible and develop a personal relationship with Christ. There is no other answer no matter what you hear from the psycho-babble of the news or doctors who have no combat experience. I know it to be true because it took 29 years from coming home in 1970 to get it and have it begin in earnest in me in 1999. Don’t let a family member or friend go that long without encouraging them to seek their answer in the only place found, the Bible and Christ.
I hope this will make you aware in ways not talked about by many doctors or vets themselves. The answer seems too simple to the psychologists and too spiritual for the left wing in our society of today. Develop a closer relationship with Christ and your pain is abated? Seems farfetched doesn’t it! I lived it, it works! It’s the only thing that works! Pass on to families in need if you like. This should not be kept a secret, but it is. It’s because we vets won’t talk about it this way. Now I have, it’s up to you to let others know.
John G. Tuthill, USMCR Combat Veteran F-4 Pilot